Cosmetic container



Feb. 12, 1946. A. AUERBAC-H COSMETIC CONTAINER Filed June 15, 1942Patented Feb. 12, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COSMETIC CONTAINERAbraham Auerbach, Buffalo, N. Y., assignor to F. N. Burt Company, Inc.,Buffalo, N. Y., a-corporation of Delaware Application June 15, 1942,'SerialNO. 447,095

2 Claims. (Cl.'206"5'6) V This invention relates to improvements incosmetic containers or holders, and more particularly 'to that type ofsuch containers adapted to hold lipsticks or similar cosmetics, and topropel the 'lipsticks so as to extend them into a position for use andto retract the same into enclosed position within the container.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a container of theclass mentioned with an improved means for extending and retracting thecosmetic, constructed and arranged in such a way that the movements ofthe cosmetic holder or cup will be smooth and steady and to avoid unduerough or jerky motions thereof, or jogging from side to side within thecontainer, such as would interfere with the cup movements or imposeundue wear or strain upon the operative parts. I

Another object of the invention is to provide a container of the classmentioned that can be economically manufactured entirely or almostentirely from non-metallic materials, such as paper, pas'teboard,fiberboard, plastic materials, and the like, and at the same time toprovide an improved propelling mechanism for the cosmetic to assuresmooth, even, unobstructed movements thereof during the projecting andretracting movements.

Still another ob ject of the invention is to provide for containers ofthe class. mentioned, an improved propelling mechanism for the cosmeticincluding a driving lug connected to the cosmetic carrier or cup, andadapted to cooperate with guiding elements of the container so as toeffect a smooth stead movement of the cup Within the container and toavoid undue jogging or wobbling from side to side such as might impedethe 'free movements of the cup and cosmetic, and result in undue 'wearor injury. V I

A further object of the invention is to provide for containers of theclass mentioned an improved driving means for the cosmetic carrier orcup, including a driving lug therefor constructed and arranged not onlyto efiect smooth unobstructed movements of the carrier, but to cooperatewith the helical or spiral driving groove in the paper or,

cardboard tube 'so as to avoid undue wear or crumpling or otherwiseinjuring the edges. of the groove.

Other objects of the invention will be in part pointed out in thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative but preferredembodiment of the invention, and will be in part obvious as thedisclosure proceeds.

The inventionaccordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and-the scopeofthe application of which will be indicated in the claims. V

For amore complete disclosure of the nature, objects and advantages ofthe invention,reference is had to the following description of theillustrative preferred embodiment of the invention and to theaccompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. Us a perspective view of the improved container showing the coverpart removed from the main container part;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged central longitudinal sectional view of thecomplete container; 7

Fig. 3 is a disassembly or exploded perspective view of the main bodypart of the container showing the component parts thereof; 7

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken substantially on the line 4-4 ofFig. 2 looking downwardly; A

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the cosmetic cup or carrier;

Fig. -6 is an enlarged perspective View of the driving lug for thecosmetic cup; and

' Fig. 7 is a fragmentary partially diagrammatical elevation takensubstantially at the irregular line 1-1 of Fig. 2 and showing thecooperative relation of the driving lug with the drivingparts of theinner and outer tubes. 7

Due to ,the scarcity of metals and some other materials at presentavailable for the manufacture of commodities notnecessaryfor defense-thecosmetic container herein disclosed has been especially designed so thatit can be constructed wholly or almost Wholly-of availablenon-metallicmaterials. In this development, paper, cardboard or similar fibrousmaterial and plastic material have been almost wholly substituted formetal. Due to this substitution of materials, the container has beenredesigned and the propelling mechanism for the cosmetic carrier hasbeen reconstructed so as ,to provide a container that is satisfactoryfor use despite the change of mate rials.

Referring to the drawing for-a detailed description of the embodiment ofthe invention there shown, the complete container Ill is of tubularconstruction having a main or body part II and a cover part I2 adaptedto telescope in closing relation over the body part. The cosmetic shownin the form of a lipstick I3 is housed within the body part of thecontainer for retraction therein asshown .in Fig. '1, or for projectionfrom the tube into position for use.

The body part II of the container includes an outer tube [4, atelescoping inner tube l5, and a I cosmetic carrier or cup H in whichthe lipstick i3 is received. The carrier I6 is mounted for longitudinalprojecting and retracting movements within the inner tube [5 and thetube I5 is mounted for rotation within the outer tube M which isprovided with an inner spiral or helical groove ll. The cap member l2and the outer tube M are preferably constructed of cardboard, fiberboard,or similar i lbrous material,;while the rotary inner-tube} 531spreferably constructed, of one of the well known plastic materials, suchas, cellulose acetate. While the carrier or cup 5 may be made of thesefibrous or plastic materials, it is preferable at present to use lightmetal in its construction.

The outer tube M, as shown, may include an outer layer I8 of cardboardand an inner layer IQ of similar material. Heavy kraft paper is confacecooperating with the bottom surface of the helical groove l! to furtheraid in guiding and steadying the movements of the cosmetic carrier l6.

The rotary inner tube I5 of plastic material is provided with a straightelongated slot 21 extending through the tube walls and formingsubstantially straight oppositely disposed longitudinal guidesurfaces.This slot is. of sufficient longi- 'tudinal. extent to accommodate theprojecting and retracting movements of the cup 16 and of a Width tosnugly receive the propelling lug 2| at its upper endwith an integralterminal bead sidered as being best adapted for these layers;

' strip of material for the inner layer in spiral or helical formationwith the adjacent edges spaced apart a sufficient distanc'e'to form thegroove H of appropriate dimensions.

The'cosmetic carrier or cup 16 is preferably cylindrical as shownghavinga bottom and an 'open'top and of a diameter to'fit fairly snugly withinthe inner tube l5 'so it can be projected and retracted therein freelyand without obstruction. The lipstick l3 fits snugly in the cup throughthe upper opening thereof. Aninturned ledge or flange 2U integral withthe cup wall may be formed inside of the cup to provide a rest for thelower end of the lipstick'l3. The supporting flange may occupy anydesired position alongthe length of the cup, or it may be omitted. H

A propelling lug 2| is also provided for the cup Hi, this also beingpreferably formed of metal. While for some purposes the propelling lug2! could be formed as an integral part of the cup 16 by pressing thewalls thereofoutwardly, it is preferably, as shown, made as a separatepart and is attached to thewall of'thejcup tolproject from the outersurface thereof. For this purpose, the

lug 2| has attaching extensions 22 adapted to extend through the opening23in the wall of the cup formed by slitting and bending the support-'-ing flange inwardly. These attaching extensions' may be bent outwardlyagainst theinner surface of the cup so I as to attach the lug securelyin position. The lug is formed with shoulders 24 seating against theouter surface of the cupfwhereby whenthe attaching extensions areclinched or bent, as shown, the lug is anchored firmlyin position uponthe cup.

It will be noticed that the propelling lug 2| is especially constructedwith substantially parallel oppositely disposed flat, straightgluidingsurfaces 25 and with angularly disposed rounded smooth surfaces 26.As'shown, the surfaces 26 are substantially at diagonally oppositecorners ofthe lug, but their exact positioning may vary somewhat,dependent upon the pitch or inclination of thehelical $101) I? in whichthe lug engages in propelling relation. In its preferred form asdisclosed the propelling lug 2 I' is substantially boxlike in formationalthough it is obviously unnecessary that it be hollow. In addition tothe oppositely disposed parallel guiding surfaces 25, and the diagonallyopposed guiding surfaces 26, the outwardly disposed surfaces ofthis lugshown at the left in Fig. 6 also functions as a guiding sur- 28functioning as a guide and retaining member for engagement with theupper end of the outer tube [4 when the parts are in assembled relation,as shown in Fig. 2. The plastic material is well adapted for theformation of this retaining bead 28 as it can easily be rolled integralwiththe tube walls and when thusformed provides .a finishing bead at theextreme upper end of the inner and outer tubes. In assembling the cup ISwith the inner tube 15, the latter may be distorted slightly to permitthe propelling lug 2| to enter into the slot 21, or the lug may beapplied in position after the cup has been entered into the inner tube,or the assembly, may be effected in any other desired manner.

It will be seen that the opposed guiding surfaces 25 of the propellinglug 2i are continuous and uninterrupted throughout their operativeextent so that the entire bearing surfaces of the opposed elongatedguiding edges of the longitudinal slot 21 are engaged'in all positionsof movement of the lug along said slot. In other words, there are noedges or interruptions on these guiding surfaces 25 which could in anyway engage with said elongated guiding edges to obstruct or interferewith free movements of the lug along the slot 2?. Also, it will be notedthat the rounded guiding corners 25 of the lug 2| are continuous anduninterrupted so as to function in Y their guiding contact with thewalls of the helical groove H in a manner'similar to that of the guidingsurfaces 25with the walls of the slot 21, the entire surface of the edgewalls of the helical groove being constantly engaged by these roundedcorners. The guiding surfaces 25 and the rounded guiding corners 25 ofthe propelling lug are preferably adjacent to each other as shown,substantially merging one with another. Also, all of theseguidingsurfaces are positioned at the lateral peripheral of the lug 2|as distinguished from the outer or end guiding surface thereof thatengages with the bottom surface of the helical groove ll. These improvedstructural features cooperate to steady the movements of the carrier cupIt in the container and to, avoid obstruction thereto and to preventirregular or jerky movements thereof.

The lower end of the inner tube i5 is provided with a closure member 29having acircular boss or projection 35 snugly fitting within the lowerend of the inner tube in which it may be secured by an adhesive or othermeans. This closure has an annular peripheral extension providing .abutton or handle adapted to be grippedby the user for rotating the innertube relatively to the outer tube. The lower end of the outer tube i4rests in sliding relation on the annularextensionof the closure 29, thuscooperating with the retaining bead 23 to hold theinner and outer'tubesin assembled relation. I'his annular extension also serves as arest for the lower end of the cover tube l2. Also, the cover member [2is provided with a similar closure 3| for closing the upper end thereofand preferably held in position in the cover tube I2 by means of anadhesive. The closure members 29 and 3| may be made of any convenientmaterial, such as fiberboard, wood, plastic, or of a commercial materialknown as vegetable ivory.

When the parts of the container are in assembled relation, as shown inFigs. 2 and 4, the retaining bead 28 slidably engages the upper end.

of the outer tube 14 during relative rotation *of the inner tube, thusretaining these tubes in the correct assembled relative positions. Asbest seen in Fig. '7, it will be noticed that the propelling lug 2|snugly engages with the opposite guide Walls of the slot 21 of the innertube [5 while permitting the requisite freedom of movement. At

the same time the diagonally disposed smooth' rounded surfaces 25 of thepropelling lug engage in propelling relation with the oppositepropelling surfaces of the helical groove l1. Thus, when the inner tubeis rotated by means of the handle 29, the cup l6 together with thecosmetic.

will be projected or retracted dependent upon the direction of rotation.During these movements in either direction the flat straight guidingsurfaces 25 of the propelling lug, being substantially parallel to andcomplementary with the opposite guiding surfaces of the slot 21,function to cause a smooth even movement of the cup and en tirely avoidsany uneven, irregular or jerky movements thereof, or jogging from sideto side. At the same time, the smooth rounded cornersurfaces 26 of thelug engage the fibrous edges of the helical slot 21, thus furtherpromoting the smooth regular movements of the carrier cup and avoidingcrushing or fraying or other damage to the material of the groove l1.Also as above pointed out, the outwardly disposed or outer end surfaceof the propelling lug 2| forms a guiding surface cooperating with thebottom guiding surface of the helical groove I! to aid further inguiding and steadying the movements of the cos.- metic cup l6. Asclearly seen in Figs. 2 and 4, this end guiding surface of the lug 6 issubstantially complementary with the bottom guiding surface of thegroove [1; in other words, this end guiding surface is curved slightlyto conform to the curvature of the outer layer or shell l8 forming thebottom of the helical groove I'I. By virtue of this arrangement thecosmetic can always be projected for use and retracted after use withthe greatest of ease, and jamming or undue wear or injury to the partsare wholly avoided.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction anddifferent embodiments of the invention could be made without departingfrom the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. In a cosmetic container, in combination, a tube having a slot formingopposed longitudinally disposed elongated guiding edges, a second tubetelescoping with the first and having a helical groove with guidingwalls, a cosmetic carrier mounted for longitudinal projection andretraction in the inner of said tubes, and a substantially box-likepropelling lug on said cosmetic carrier extending through said slot andgroove respectively of the telescoping tubes, said lug having twoopposed lateral guiding sides extending in the direction of the lengthof said elongated guiding edges and terminating at corners of the lug,said guiding sides being in continuous uninterrupted face contactingguiding relation with said guiding edges throughout their surfaces so asto guide and steady the carrier in its longitudinal movements and tominimize irregular movements thereof, said box-like propelling lughaving said corners rounded to provide smooth driving surfaces whichengage in driving relation with the walls of said helical groove.

2. In a cosmetic container, in combination, a tube having a slot formingopposed longitudinally disposed elongated guiding edges, a second tubetelescoping with the first and having a helical groove with guidingwalls and with a curved guiding surface at the bottom thereof curvedtransversely substantially in conformity with the tubular walls of thecontainer, a cosmetic carrier mounted for longitudinal projection andretraction in the inner of said tubes, and a substantially box-likepropelling lug on said cosmetic carrier extending through said slot andgroove respectively of the telescoping tubes, said lug hav ing twoopposed lateral guiding sides extending in the direction of the lengthof said elongated guiding edges and terminating at corners of the lug,said guiding sides being in continuous uninterrupted face contactingguiding relation with said guiding edges throughout their surfaces so asto guide and steady the carrier in its longitudinal movements and tominimize irregular movements thereof, said box-like propelling lughaving said corners rounded to provide smooth driving surfaces whichengage in driving relation with the walls of said helical groove, andsaid box-like propelling lug having an outer transversely curved guidingsurface substantially complementary with said curved guiding surface atthe bottom of said helical groove and cooperating therewith in guidingrelation to guide and steady the cosmetic carrier in its longitudinalmovements.

ABRAHAM AU'ERBACH.

